Women in Bournemouth stand against gender-based violence with ‘playful activism’
The UK’s first ‘Fox Strut’ takes place this evening (Friday 8th December)
Women will ‘strut’ through Bournemouth’s town centre this evening (Friday 8th December) in a bid to empower girls to feel confident when they are alone at night.
It will be the UK’s first ever “Fox Strut” in honour of the World Health Organization’s global 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence.
They will walk to domestic violence hotspots, proudly donning orange and wearing fox ears, in a collective stand against violence towards women and girls.
Organiser and empowerment photographer, Jayne Jackson told us what the purpose of the event is: “We are channelling the urban fox, we are being brave in the night. If you see a fox in the street, it just stands there, completely unfazed, and we want women and girls to feel that way to on the streets.”
Darkness often casts a shadow of unease upon women, making them feel vulnerable and apprehensive during nocturnal hours.
Many attending say they have felt ‘unfairly judged’ or even ‘harassed’ in the past, with blame often misplaced on their activities, clothing, or mere presence on the streets.
Jayne Jackson said: “When women go out, they always say to each other ‘text me when you get home safe’ but that doesn’t happen as much with men.
“There is always a thought running through a girls head that the world is not a safe place, but generally it is. We should be able to go out without worrying and I think by coming together in strength and unity, it breaks those misconceptions down.”
Alongside the event, Jayne and fellow artist Lorna Rees have created a powerful series of portraits of Dorset women defiantly inhabiting public space in the dark.
Jayne told us what she hopes the event will achieve: “Yes, more street lighting is a great idea. Yes, more police on the streets are a great idea but ultimately this is about how we feel inside, so by doing something where you’re empowering yourself, you will feel more positive because you’ve played a part in making societal change.”